Supporters line up early to see Obama

Tuesday

Oct 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMOct 28, 2008 at 9:21 PM

Making good on his promise to Mayor William J. Healy II, Barack Obama made Canton, Ohio, one of his last stops in his 21-month campaign. The crowd was a mix of ages, races and backgrounds, forming a morning line that stretched more than two blocks.

Charita Goshay

Nearly 5,000 people wedged into Memorial Civic Center on Monday to hear Sen. Barack Obama’s “closing argument” as to why he should be the next president.

Making good on his promise to Mayor William J. Healy II, the Democratic hopeful made Canton one of his last stops in his 21-month campaign. The crowd was a mix of ages, races and backgrounds, forming a morning line that stretched more than two blocks.

Some supporters got there before sunrise. Among them was Starlyn Stroud of Akron, who brought her three children and two nieces. They took their place outside the Civic Center at 6:30 a.m., more than six hours before the event.

“I’m the independent voter they’re looking to sway,” Stroud said. “In 2004, I voted for Bush. ... I’m just proud that he’s (Obama) a young black man. He’s a good male role model for my son. I always tell him he can be and do anything.”

Deborah Watkins, 57, said she arrived shortly after Stroud’s family.

“When I see what I see, it’s so inspirational,” she said. “You can see what God is doing. I never thought I’d see this day.”

Madeline Covington, Jeannie John and Maria Wackerly, all of Massillon, said they supported Sen. Hillary Clinton for president but now are Obama volunteers.

“Their issues as so much alike,” John said.

A self-described “child of the ‘60s,” Covington said she’s inspired by the enthusiasm Obama fosters, particularly among young people.

“To see the way the country is going gives me hope,” she said. “He has leadership, poise, and I like what he’s going to do with the environment and education,” Wackerly said.

“No one has invigorated our nation like this since John F. Kennedy,” John said. “He’s the change we need ... race doesn’t enter into it for me. I just see a man who’s going to help us.”

“He’s a strong man,” she said. “If he’s man enough to stare down threats and criticisms, he’s man enough to run this country.”

Standing on the same stage as Sen. John F. Kennedy, who campaigned here in 1960, Obama rehashed the talking points he’s made throughout the campaign: Middle-class tax cuts, jobs and change.

“I think it was electrifying,” said Marilyn Scott of Canton. “I think it motivated the crowd. Obama is a class act. I believe he’s sincerely devoted to his God and to his family. He’s just a wonderful man; I can’t say enough about him.”

“He gets it,” said Maryellen Cameron, a Stark County resident. “He understands that decisions aren’t made in a vacuum. ... He’s already shown us excellent judgment. Look at the choices John McCain has made and the choices Obama has made. He understands that everything works together.”

“That was awesome,” said Lee Bonlarron of Canton. “It was poignant, yet to the point. I really think it gave some people an idea of what his plans are.”